THE Autumn Firewood Collection Season for 2022 started across Victoria on Tuesday, March 1 and will close again on Tuesday, June 30.

Aaron Kennedy, director forest and fire operations, Hume region, said: "Firewood can only be taken from designated collection areas in state forests or parks during approved times and for personal use only.

"Collected firewood cannot be sold.

"Collection limits are in place to prevent stockpiling of larger volumes of firewood, which is important to ensure there's enough firewood on public land for people who rely on it to stay warm over winter.

"Be sure to check local weather and forest conditions before heading out to make sure it's safe before collecting firewood in your area."

Collection limits include taking a maximum of two cubic metres per person per day and a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year.

The felling of trees and cutting downed hollow logs for firewood is also prohibited.

The Conservation Regulator, FFMVic and Parks Victoria conduct routine, random and targeted patrols of forest areas, and authorised officers issue on–the–spot fines for firewood offences, with an option to take people to court for major offences.

Visitors from the Hume region and other parts of Victoria will no longer be able to access domestic firewood from state forests in Central Victoria, with new firewood restrictions taking effect.

Only residents of specific Central Victorian shires will be able to collect domestic firewood from Central Victorian designated firewood collection areas.

These shires include Mitchell, Strathbogie, and Greater Shepparton.

"These changes aim to ensure that Central Victorian communities gain greater access to their available, local firewood into the future," Mr Kennedy said.

An interactive map showing designated collection areas is available at www.ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood.

Access to firewood collection areas may be disrupted at short notice due to planned burning or other fuel management operations.